Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman Fight Odds: The 2019 superfight between welterweights Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman has been set for July 20th at the MGM Grand at 11 pm ET on Pay-Per-View. Pacquiao, 61-7-2, 39 KO’s, has been instilled as a -125 favorite over Thurman, 29-0, 22 KO’s, with 60% of boxing predictions on Pacquiao. Thurman is listed #12 on the ESPN2 News pound-4-pound list with Pacquiao listed right behind at #13. Thurman looked vulnerable in his last fight coming a two-year layoff but can Pacquiao keep pace with the younger and stronger Florida slugger? Our fight picks experts broke down the particulars.

Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman Fight Odds have Pacquiao -125 at BOVADA

Keith Thurman – Boxer

Strengths: Sinewy 5’7″1/2″ Thurman appears to be the complete package with explosive power, lightning hand-speed and a multi-faceted defense. Thurman is a boxer/puncher that looks for the knockout from the opening bell with punches in bunches. Thurman can rear back and throw the 100 MPH fastball with either barrel, putting stress on opponents minds and bodies. Despite his reputation as an all-out offensive buzzsaw the bomber has also shown serviceable head-movement, fast feet and an effective jab. Thurman’s intimidation factor could be his biggest asset. Thurman can take a good shot to the chops and has never been faint of heart.

Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman Fight Odds Over/Under is at 11.5 Rounds with the Over at -200

Weaknesses: Thurman swells easy, swings wide and throws bombs with no regarded for his own defense. Spotty technique on defense with inconsistent hand-placement and ability to fight off the ropes. Thurman’s durability is suspect having been hurt to the body on several occasions. Does not fight well hurt. Not much of a counterpuncher. Susceptible to swelling. Questionable hunger since two-year layoff where he got married and battled a series of injuries.

Manny Pacquiao – Boxer

Strengths: Southpaw’s style could best be described as a whirling dervish that is constantly moving, darting and attacking from angles. Fast feet are his biggest strength. Good power in his straight-left hand that is set up brilliantly behind two quick jabs. Evolved from a volume puncher to a boxer/puncher that counterpunches effectively. Slickster with eagle ring vision and active head movement. Most impressive talent is his ability to punch hard from unusual angles with great accuracy. Despite getting knocked out by a possibly “juiced” Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao has always displayed a decent chin. Once legendary stamina has faded but still fights with a good motor.

Weaknesses: Past his prime at 40-years old. Short at 5’6″and short armed with a 67″ reach. Small for a welter weighing only about 150 lbs. on fight night. Bad temper causes him to get careless. Loads up left hand getting caught out of position frequently. Average balance. Small hole in defense for uppercuts.  Never been the same since Marquez iced him in late 2012.

ESPN2NEWS Boxing Predictions: Thurman 115-112 

Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman Tale-Of-The Tape

Pacquiao/Thurman

Strength/Size: Thurman +2

Height/Reach: Thurman +1

Power: 8/9

Hand Speed: 8.5/9

Stamina: 8/8

Defense: 8.5/7

Chin/Resiliency: 8/9

Punch Volume: 8/8

Jab: 8/8

Agility/Balance: 9/9

Bodypunching/In-Fight: 7/7

Bodypunch Resilence: 8/7

Intelligence: 9/7

Confidence/Focus/Will To Win: –

Cuts/Injury/Age/Inactivity: Thurman +2

Judges Scoring: Pacquiao +1

Trainer: Pacquiao +1

ESPN2 News Odds: Thurman -150